Thursday, November 8, 2007

What seems weird to The Blot is that this toy of acclaimed rapper and Wu-Tang Clan member Ghostface Killah is labeled a "doll." If anything a toy named after a former drug dealer whose moniker is Ghostface Killah should be called an action figure. Especially when it's rockin the kung-fu grip as show in the above picture. This recently released figure by 4CAST Limited has to be one of the craziest things I've seen in a long time. If you've got a few minutes I definitely recommend checking out the toy's website at www.theghostfacedoll.com.

The Ghostface doll does strive to be authentic, I'll give it that. It comes with Ghostface's old school Eagle Wristband that not only has a real diamond in it but is made out of 14K gold. Also made out of 14K gold is Ghostface's trademark dinner plate pendant and chain. And what's a toy based on a rapper without top of the line clothing? The Ghostface doll comes in a pimp tight robe and a pair of Clarks wallabees, which The Blot loves and still wears to this day. Best of all this rapper turned action figure really talks. Ghostface himself recorded 5 unique phrases for lil' Ghost to spout when hitting on your collection of Barbie and Wonder Woman dolls. It seems like 4CAST Limited has spared no expense, but wait there's more. The best part is that the toy is then packaged in "a box that has remnants of Fine Louis XIII cognac." (Link) You see, The Blot just can't make stuff like this up!

So you might be asking yourself at this point, "wow this sounds great, but how much would a limited edition Ghostface Killah doll cost me?" I'm glad you asked, because this is the part that blows my mind. The doll sells on the 4CAST Limited Online Store for...$499.99! Yup, that's not a misprint, its straight from their store. Now I had a feeling the toy would be steep when they're talking diamonds and gold, but even then I was figuring $100, maybe $200 tops. But over $500 after shipping is crazy. Who's buying this toy? And more importantly who exactly is this company marketing this toy to? What segment of the hip hop community is out there going, man I wish I could buy a $500 DOLL of my favorite rapper? Yeah, I'm stunned too.

Besides, no disrespect to Ghostface who is an amazing rapper in his own right, but I'm pretty sure the Wu-Tang Clan is a little past their peak. I know this toy is "devised to rekindle the feelings of the Golden Era of 90's hip-hop," but this toy probably should have come out during that golden era of hip-hop if it's hoping to sell that many dolls. (Link) The truth is Ghostface even after releasing two amazing albums last year (Fishscale and More Fish) just doesn't have that much clout or name recognition with the buying public. Maybe if this new toy line first launched with more well known established hip-hop artists like Jay-Z or even Dr. Dre it would have a better chance to make it, but I don't see exactly who's rushing out to buy a ridiculously expensive doll of Ghostface Killah. And this is coming from one of a small minority of people who still likes hip-hop, his music specifically and toys.

Regardless of the fact that I'm 100% certain none of my regular readers will be buying this outlandishly expensive and decorative doll, I still recommend checking out the toy's site www.theghostfacedoll.com. Its really well put together, gives you great pictures/explanations of the outlandish accessories the toy comes with and all in all just takes itself way too seriously for what it is, a crazy expensive toy. And I can't forget to mention the best part of the site. 4CAST has even created a blog for its mini Ghostface with pictures of the little guy lounging around and being played with by scantily clad females. If that doesn't sell you on ordering one right away I don't know what will!